Database development and discrimination algorithms for membrane protein functions

We have developed a database for membrane protein functions, which has more than 3000 experimental data on functionally important amino acid residues in membrane proteins along with sequence, structure and literature information. Further, we have proposed different methods for identifying membrane proteins based on their functions: (i) discrimination of membrane transport proteins from other globular and membrane proteins and classifying them into channels/pores, electrochemical and active transporters, and (ii) ß-signal for the insertion of mitochondrial ß-barrel outer membrane proteins and potential targets. Our method showed an accuracy of 82% in discriminating transport proteins and 68% to classify them into three different transporters. In addition, we have identified a motif for targeting ß-signal and potential candidates for mitochondrial ß-barrel membrane proteins. Our methods can be used as effective tools for genome-wide annotations.